There are some excellent, innovative ideas being looked at by architects:
Researchers at the University of Michigan sought to develop a solar energy system that could absorb the most daylight possible while reducing the carbon footprint from the production of the panels themselves. The results are surprisingly beautiful: through the application of the ancient Japanese art of Kirigami, a variation of Origami, the researchers were able to capture up to 40 percent more sunlight than traditional panels.
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Solar architecture is an architectural approach that takes into account the Sun to harness clean and renewable solar power. It is related to the fields of optics, thermics, electronics and materials science. Both active and passive solar housing skills are involved in solar architecture.
Solar architecture – Wikipedia
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In definition, “passive solar energy is the collection and distribution of energy obtained by the sun using natural means”. The simple concept and process of implementing passive solar energy systems have provided buildings with heat, lighting, mechanical power, and electricity in the most environmentally-conscious way possible.
How to Implement Passive Solar Design in Your Architecture Projects | Arch Daily
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For example:
Passive solar building design – Wikipedia
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And:
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A green future for architecture
Ideas for energy-efficient building